So I wasn’t going to watch the ladies figure skating competition (still sad about Michelle Kwan not being able to compete *sob*) but… I’m a sucker.

Some thoughts as I was watching…

Kimmie Meissner – Very clean program. Good for her. I think she’ll be a force to be reckoned with if she sticks it out another 4 years to get to Vancouver. Right now, she has the technique down but I think she needs to work on her artistry. I just don’t connect with her skating. It’s too formulaic. I don’t see her medalling in these Games but she should easily be in the Top 8 or 10.

Elena Sokolova – She’s been around a long time… that must have been such a disappointing skate.

Elene Gedevanishvili – WOW! Where did she come from? She was totally awesome. So enthusiastic and explosive. Loved her. I can’t wait to see more of her.

Emily Hughes – Loved her costume… didn’t love her program that much. She had a lot of heart and really attacked her skate but most of the time, she looked like she was flailing her arms around. So distracting.

Irina Slutskaya – I’ve never loved her skating but she is amazingly talented. She has so much speed and power on the ice. I just can’t relate to her performances, though. It seems like she’s out there jumping and spinning and not really connecting with the audience. But barring a major mistake, I’m sure she’ll be on the podium.

Shizuka Arakawa – She’s so awesome. I loved when she won the gold at 2004 Worlds. She’s in a good position after the short program.

Fumie Suguri – Aww, I loved her. She’s one of those skaters who reminds me why I love the sport. Her choreography and artistry is so beautiful. She’s my personal favorite for a medal. SQUEE. PLUS. Her costume was gorgeous.

Sasha Cohen – Yay! It is SO HARD to be a fan of hers. She has the technique, flexibility, grace… but she is also incredibly inconsistent (and sometimes she strikes me as a diva — but that’s neither here nor there). It’s frustrating. When it counts, she can’t seem to keep it together. But she found a way to be perfect tonight. So great. Now I’m just praying she doesn’t meltdown during her long program. Cause that would be typical.

Bring on the long program!

Also? The Torino medals look like CDs! Hee.